Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:20

"Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is ministered by us:" — 2 Corinthians 8:20 (ASV)

Avoiding this. That is, I intend to prevent any blame from being cast upon me in regard to the management of these funds. For this purpose, Paul had refused to have the entire management of the funds (see 1 Corinthians 16:3–4) and had secured the appointment of someone who had the entire confidence of all the churches.

That no man should blame us. That no one should have any occasion to say that I had appropriated it to my own use, or contrary to the will of the donors. Paul felt how dangerous it was for ministers to be heavily involved in money matters. He had a very deep impression of the necessity of keeping his own character free from suspicion on this subject. He knew how easy it might be for his enemies to raise the charge that he had embezzled the funds and appropriated them to his own use.

Therefore, he insisted on having someone associated with him who had the entire confidence of the churches, and who should be appointed by them. In this way, he was certain of being forever free from blame on the subject. This is a most important example for all ministers in regard to the financial contributions of the churches.

In this abundance, and so on. In this large amount which is contributed by the churches and committed to our disposal. Large sums of money are in our time committed to the ministers of the gospel in carrying out the purposes of Christian benevolence. Nothing can be wiser than Paul's example here: that they should have others associated with them who have the entire confidence of the churches, so that there may be no occasion for slander to move her poisonous tongue against the ministers of religion.